Robertson, the 2010 world champion, claimed the opening frame of the evening to lead 13-12, but Selby came storming back by taking two frames in succession, which included a break of 79 after Robertson ran out of position while on 40.

Robertson pulled level at 14-14 at the mid-session interval with a 53, but it was Selby who edged back in front again with a 77 after Robertson unfortunately potted the cueball when splitting the reds from the black.

Selby, who lost the 2007 world final to John Higgins, opened up a two-frame advantage at 16-14 after knocking in a 54.

However, in the 31st frame, his poor safety shot allowed Robertson to close the gap to one after the Australian rattled in a 108 to stay in the match at 16-15.

But any hopes Robertson had of a fightback quickly disappeared as Selby recovered to clinch victory with a 74 break.